es:

[13] "Men and Times of the Revolution, or Memoirs of Elkanah Watson,"
New York, 1856, pp. 135, 136.

[14] Cf. "Proceedings Grand Lodge of New York," 1867, p. 28.

[15] "Memoirs of Elkanah Watson," p. 135.

[16] Cf. "Itinerary of General WASHINGTON from June 15, 1775, to
December 23, 1783," by William S. Baker, Philadelphia, 1892, p. 271.

[17] It will be noted that on both the draft and letter, WASHINGTON
spells the name Cassoul--"Cosson."

[18] Catalogue of Antiquities and Curios, Grand Lodge F. & A. M., New
York, Class J, No. 1, New York, 1905.

[19] Cf. "Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of
the American Philosophical Society," edited by I. Minis Hays, Volume V,
p. 312.

II

CORRESPONDENCE WITH ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 39, VIRGINIA, DECEMBER, 1783.

The next Masonic Letter of Brother WASHINGTON of which we have any
knowledge is the one written in answer to a letter sent him, upon his
return to civil life by the Brethren of Lodge No. 39, on the register of
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which met at Alexandria, Virginia.

December 23, 1783, General WASHINGTON presented himself to "The United
States in Congress Assembled," at Annapolis, Maryland, and resigned his
Commission that he had received on June 17, 1775, as Commander-in-Chief
of the Armies of the United States.

Upon Christmas Eve he returned to Mount Vernon, whereupon the Brethren
at Alexandria, who, it must be remembered, were working under a
Pennsylvania Warrant, at once sent the following Address signed by the
Officers of Lodge No. 39, to Brother WASHINGTON at Mount Vernon,[20]
viz.:

"_Sir_: Whilst all denominations of people bless the happy occasion
of your excellency's return to enjoy private and domestic felicity,
permit us, sir, the members of Lodge No. 39, lately established in
Alexandria, to assure your excellency, that we, as a mystical body,
rejoice in having a brother so near us, whose preeminent
benevolence has secured the happiness of millions; and that we
shall esteem ourselves highly honored at all times your excellency
shall be pleased to join us in the needful business."

"We have the honor to be, in the name and behalf of No. 39, your
excellency's

"Devoted friends and brothers,
"ROBERT ADAM, M.
"E. C. DICK, S. W.
"J. ALLISON, J. W.
"WM. RAMSAY, _Treas._"

"His Excellency General Washington."